Growing threat of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae colonisation in high‐risk pregnancies: A cross‐sectional study

Objective To investigate the epidemiological changes in extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL‐E) vaginal colonisation in pregnant women deemed at high risk, and to identify independent risk factors. Further, the differences in perinatal outcomes according to maternal ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation were analysed. Design Cross‐sectional study. Setting Republic of Korea. Population A cohort of 1460 women admitted to our high‐risk pregnancy unit between 14+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation. Methods The trend of changes in the association of ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation from January 2010 to December 2020 was analysed. The main outcomes were analysed over the study period and ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation. Main outcome measures Rate of ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation, risk factors for ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation and perinatal outcomes. Results The ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation rate has tended to increase over the past 11 years, which was attributed to a significantly higher proportion of ESBL‐producing Escherichia coli. Cerclage (RR 3.7, 95% CI 2.19–6.40) and prior antibiotic treatment (RR 4.0, 95% CI 2.44–6.54) were found as independent risk factors for ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation. Earlier gestational age at delivery and higher proven early‐onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) rate were observed in the ESBL‐E‐positive group. Conclusions The ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation rate in pregnant patients at high risk has increased over the past decade, and the independent risk factors for colonisation are cerclage and prior antibiotic treatment. Additionally, maternal ESBL‐E vaginal colonisation is associated with higher rates of proven EONS. Linked article: This article is commented on by David A. Eschenbach, pp. 424‐425 in this issue. To view this mini commentary visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17371